Plate, kit and method

ABSTRACT

A plate includes a well portion configured to receive food for serving, a raised lip extending around the well portion, and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate. The rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim. Further, a kit including the glow stick and a method for assembling the plate are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/331,321, having a filing date of Apr. 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Plates are generally broad, concave devices that are mainly flat, upon which food can be served. Generally, plates have raised edges defining a well there between for serving food or the like. In contrast, vessels with no lip, especially ones having a more rounded profile, are generally considered bowls. Plates can be made of various materials, such as wood, pottery, glass and metal. Alternatively, less permanent plates may be made from plastic or paper pulp, or a similar composite material (e.g. plastic-coated paper).

Glow sticks (also known as light sticks, chem lights, light wands, light rods, and rave lights) are self-contained, short-term light sources that include translucent plastic tubes containing isolated substances that, when combined, produce light through chemiluminescence. Glow sticks typically include a circular cross-sectional profile, which begin to emit light when bent.

Contemplated herein is an entertainment or party plate that is uniquely structured to utilize one or more glow sticks in order to provide for an advantageous function and aesthetic, as well as glow stick and plate kits and methods of assembling a glowing plate.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a plate includes a well portion configured to receive food for serving; a raised lip extending around the well portion; and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate, wherein the rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim.

Additionally or alternatively, the rim is made of a translucent or transparent material.

Additionally or alternatively, the curved cross-sectional profile includes at least one protrusion configured to move during insertion of the glow stick within the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one protrusion is configured to return to an unmoved state to retain the glow stick device within the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one channel includes a plurality of protrusions dispersed axially along a length of the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of protrusions includes a plurality of pairs of protrusions, each pair located at a same lengthwise location of the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the attachment of the glow stick within the at least one channel is accomplished with a snap fit.

Additionally or alternatively, the rim is defined by four outer edges, and wherein the at least one channel includes a separate channel for each of the four outer edges, and wherein each of the separate channels is configured to receive and retain a separate glow stick device.

Additionally or alternatively, the curved cross-sectional profile of the channel includes a first width located at an opening of the channel and a second width located at a half-depth of the channel, and wherein the first width is smaller than the second width.

Additionally or alternatively, the plate is circular in shape and wherein the rim is circular, and wherein the at least one channel is a circular channel extending around the rim.

Additionally or alternatively, the curved cross-sectional profile includes a first side, a base, and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the first side, the base and the second side are each flat.

Additionally or alternatively, a first curve is located between the first side and the base, and wherein a second curve is located between the second side and the base.

Additionally or alternatively, the plate is made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material and formed from a mold.

In accordance with another embodiment, a plate kid includes a plate having a well portion configured to receive food for serving; a raised lip extending around the well; and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate, wherein the rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim; and the glow stick device.

Additionally or alternatively, the plate kit further includes a plurality of additional glow stick devices of different colors.

Additionally or alternatively, the plate kit further includes a plurality of additional glow stick devices of the same color.

Additionally or alternatively, the plate kit further includes a plurality of plates each configured to receive a number of glow stick devices; and a plurality of glow stick devices equal or greater than an amount of the plurality of plates times the number of glow sticks each of the plurality of plates is configured to receive.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of assembling a plate includes: forming a plate from a mold, the plate comprising a body made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material, the plate including: a well portion configured to receive food for serving; a raised lip extending around the well; and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate, wherein the rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim. The method includes providing the glow stick device and attaching the glow stick device within the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the curved cross-sectional profile includes at least one protrusion configured to move during insertion of the glow stick within the at least one channel, and the method further includes: moving the protrusion during the attaching the glow stick device within the at least one channel; and returning the protrusion to an unmoved state to retain the glow stick device within the at least one channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes removing the glow stick device from the at least one channel; and replacing another glow stick device within the at least one channel after the removing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements and features in the various figures. For clarity, not every element may be labeled in every figure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a plate in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the plate of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the plate of FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a left-side view of the plate of FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a right-side view of the plate of FIGS. 1-4 , in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the plate of FIGS. 1-5 , in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the plate of FIGS. 1-6 , in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the bottom of the plate of FIGS. 1-7 , with glow sticks on each edge in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a side cutaway view of an edge of the plate of FIGS. 1-8 , taken at arrows 9-9, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of another plate, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary glow stick device, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular, feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the teaching. References to a particular embodiment within the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

The present teaching will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present teaching is described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teaching be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Those of ordinary skill having access to the teaching herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-7 , various views of a plate 100 is shown according to one embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a plate 100, FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the plate 100, FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the plate 100, FIG. 4 depicts a left-side view of the plate 100, FIG. 5 depicts a right-side view of the plate 100, FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the plate 100, and FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the plate 100.

The plate 100 includes a well portion 102 configured to receive food for serving, a raised lip 104 extending around the well portion 102, and a rim 106 extending around the raised lip 104 defining an outer edge of the plate 100. As shown, the rim 106 includes a channel 108 having a curved cross-sectional profile (shown in FIG. 9 ) extending along and/or around the outer edge. The channel 108 is configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim (shown in FIGS. 8-11 ). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9 , the plate 100 is shown including the rim 106 being defined by four outer edges 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d. Each of the outer edges includes a separate channel 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d for each of the four outer edges 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, respectively. Each of the separate channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d is configured to receive and retain a separate glow stick device.

The plate 100, and/or any component thereof including the rim 106, may be made of a translucent or transparent material. For example, the plate 100 may be made of a translucent, transparent or otherwise see-through plastic and/or polymeric material. The plate 100 may be formed by way of a mold, for example a two-part mold by way of a plastic injection process. While a plastic injection molded plate may be particularly advantageous from a cost and material perspective, embodiments of a plate may be made using any other type of process and/or material, such as a glass or ceramic. It may be particularly advantageous for the plate 100 and/or the rim 106 and/or the channel 108 to be made of a translucent or transparent material in order to allow the light from the glow stick to travel through the material of the plate.

The channel 108 is shown extending around the entire outer edge of the plate 100, although in other embodiments one or more channels may be located at specific portions of the outer edge of the plate 100. The channel 108 may be a partially opened conduit, duct, trough, groove, gutter, or opening specifically dimensioned to receive a single glow stick at a given axial location therein. The attachment of a glow stick within the one channel 108 may be accomplished with a snap fit, press-fit or the like, and may utilize a deflection in the walls of the channel during the receiving of a glow stick, and then a return to an undeflected state once the glow stick is received. Thus, the glow stick may be maintained within the channel 108 until a removal force sufficient to once again deflect the channel 108 is provided in order to remove the glow stick from the channel 108.

The plate 100 is shown being generally square in shape and having four corners 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d. Each of the four corners include two structural support cross brace 114 for providing structural integrity to the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d.

The plate 100 may be dimensioned as any type of plate having any size or shape. For example, the plate 100 may be a saucer plate, an appetizer plate, a bread-and-butter plate, a lunch or dessert plate, a dinner plate, a soup plate, a platter, a decorative plate, or the like. While the plate is shown having a square shape, any other shape is contemplated, such as a round or circular shape, a squircle shape or the like. Any shape or style of plate is contemplated, so long as the plate includes an outer edge with a channel structure configured to receive a glow stick device.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the bottom of the plate 100 of FIGS. 1-7 , with glow sticks 200 on each edge in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the plate 100 includes the glow sticks 200 inserted, attached and secured within each of the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d. Each of the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d may include an axial length extending along the edge of the plate 100 that is equal or larger than the axial length of each of the glow sticks 200. Glow sticks may include an 8 inch length, for example, and the axial length of each of the side edges and/or channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d may correspond to this 8 inch glow stick length, by being slightly greater than 8 inches in order to accommodate the entire length of the glow stick.

The channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d are oriented with the opening of the channel facing downward when the plate 100 is facing upward, as shown in FIG. 1 . As such, when the plate 100 is facing downward, the opening of the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d is facing upward, as shown in FIG. 8 . As such, the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d can be said to extend vertically downward from the outer edges 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d of the plate 100.

The channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d includes a plurality of protrusions 120 dispersed axially along a length of the at least one channel. As shown, each of the plurality of protrusions 120 are dispersed in pairs. The pairs of protrusions 120 are each located at a same lengthwise location in the channel 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d within which a given pair of protrusions 120 reside. Each of the protrusions 120 may be configured to move during insertion of the glow stick 200 within the respective channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d. Then, the protrusions 120 are configured to return to an unmoved state to retain the glow sticks 200 within the respective channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d.

FIG. 9 depicts a side cutaway view of an edge of the plate 100 of FIGS. 1-8 , taken at arrows 9-9, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, this cross section is taken at an axial position along the channel 108 a where the protrusions 120 are located. While the channel 108 a will be described, it should be understood that all of the channels 108 b, 108 c, 108 d may include the same structure as the channel 108 a. The cross-sectional profile of the channel 108 a includes a first width located at an opening 130 of the channel 108 a and a second width located at a half-depth 132 of the channel 108 a. The first width is smaller than the second width.

The curved cross-sectional profile of the channel 108 a includes a first side 134, a base 138, and a second side 136 opposite the first side 134. The channel 138 a further includes a first curve 140 that is located between the first side 134 and the base 138, and a second curve 142 that is located between the second side 136 and the base 138.

The first side 134, the base 138 and the second side 136 are each substantially flat in the embodiment shown. Specifically, the first side 134 may include a flat inner surface which is vertically oriented. The second side 136 may include a flat outer surface that is also vertically oriented, while the inner surface includes a slight curvature which reduces the width of the channel 108 a as the inner surface extends away from the base 138 and toward the opening 130.

Each of the first side 134 and the second side 136 extend from the base 138 to the pair of projections 120 a, 120 b located at the opening 130, and defining the width of the opening 130. The projections 120 a, 120 b may be considered inward lips, nubs, protrusions, overhangs, ridges, juts, or the like, and may be located at the opening 130. The protrusions 120 a, 120 b may be configured to move outwardly during insertion of the glow stick 200. For example, the protrusions 120 a, 120 b may be configured to move in an outward direction in order to accommodate the diameter dimension of the glowstick 200. The protrusions 120 a, 120 b may be configured to deflect themselves, or may be configured to move when the opening 130 dimension of the channel 108 a expands through deflection of one or more of the first side 134, the base 138, the second side 136 and/or the first and second curves 140, 142.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of another plate 300, in accordance with one embodiment. The plate 300 is circular in shape and wherein the rim is circular, and wherein the at least one channel is a circular channel extending around the rim. The plate 300 includes a well portion 302 configured to receive food for serving, and a rim 306 extending around an outer edge 310 of the plate 300. As shown, the rim 306 includes a channel 308 having a curved cross-sectional profile that is the same or similar to the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d described hereinabove. The channel 308 extends along and/or around the entirety of the outer edge 310 as a single channel 308 that is curved around the circular profile of the plate 300. The channel 308 is configured to receive and retain three separate glow stick devices 200 within.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary glow stick device 200. The glow stick device 200 may represent any of the glowsticks shown in FIGS. 8-10 . The glow stick device 200 may be a self-contained, short-term light-source. The glow stick device 200 may consist of a translucent plastic tube 202 extending a length (e.g. 8 inches, for example, although any length glow stick is contemplated) between a first end 204 and a second end 206 and containing within isolated substances that, when combined, make light through chemiluminescence. Combining the substances contained within may be accomplished through manually bending the glow stick device 200. The glow stick device 200 may emit light of any known color. The embodiments shown above may include glow stick devices of the same color or different colors.

A kit having one or more of the plates 100, 300 is further contemplated, along with one or more corresponding glow sticks, such as the glow sticks 200. A plurality of plates each configured to receive a number of glow stick devices may be provided in a kit. A plurality of glow stick devices equal or greater than an amount of the plurality of plates times the number of glow sticks each of the plurality of plates is configured to receive. For example, a kit may include five of the plates 200 and twenty glow stick devices (four glowsticks times the five plates), so that each plate 200 is provided with a number of glow stick devices to fully encircle the perimeter of the plate with the glow stick devices and receive the glow stick devices within each of the channels 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, 108 d. In other embodiments, a kit may include a number of glowsticks equal to a multiple of the number of glowsticks required to fully encircle the perimeter of the plates in the kit. For example, in the case where the kit includes the five of the plates 200, forty of sixty glowsticks may be included in the kit in order to provide for multiple uses. A kit may further include a hook mechanism (not shown) for facilitating removal of a glow stick device from a channel.

Methods are also contemplated here. In particular, a method of assembling a plate is contemplated that includes forming a plate, such as one of the plates 100, 300, from a mold, the plate having a body made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material. The method may include providing a glow stick device, such as one or more of the glow stick devices 200, and attaching the glow stick device within at least one channel defined along an outer edge of the plate. The method may include providing the plate having a channel with a curved cross-sectional profile that includes at least one protrusion configured to move during insertion of the glow stick within the at least one channel. The method includes moving the protrusion during the attaching the glow stick device within the at least one channel, and returning the protrusion to an unmoved or original state to retain the glow stick device within the at least one channel. This step may include deflecting some or a portion of the at least one channel in order to move the protrusion. Further, the method may include expanding an opening of the channel by moving the protrusions. The method may still further include removing the glow stick device from the at least one channel and replacing another glow stick device within the at least one channel after the removing.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plate comprising: a well portion configured to receive food for serving; a raised lip extending around the well portion; and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate, wherein the rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim.
 2. The plate of claim 1, wherein the rim is made of a translucent or transparent material.
 3. The plate of claim 1, wherein the curved cross-sectional profile includes at least one protrusion configured to move during insertion of the glow stick within the at least one channel.
 4. The plate of claim 3, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to return to an unmoved state to retain the glow stick device within the at least one channel.
 5. The plate of claim 3, wherein the at least one channel includes a plurality of protrusions dispersed axially along a length of the at least one channel.
 6. The plate of claim 5, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes a plurality of pairs of protrusions, each pair located at a same lengthwise location of the at least one channel.
 7. The plate of claim 3, wherein the attachment of the glow stick within the at least one channel is accomplished with a snap fit.
 8. The plate of claim 1, wherein the rim is defined by four outer edges, and wherein the at least one channel includes a separate channel for each of the four outer edges, and wherein each of the separate channels is configured to receive and retain a separate glow stick device.
 9. The plate of claim 1, wherein the curved cross-sectional profile of the channel includes a first width located at an opening of the channel and a second width located at a half-depth of the channel, and wherein the first width is smaller than the second width.
 10. The plate of claim 1, wherein the plate is circular in shape and wherein the rim is circular, and wherein the at least one channel is a circular channel extending around the rim.
 11. The plate of claim 1, wherein the curved cross-sectional profile includes a first side, a base, and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the first side, the base and the second side are each flat.
 12. The plate of claim 11, wherein a first curve is located between the first side and the base, and wherein a second curve is located between the second side and the base.
 13. The plate of claim 1, wherein the plate is made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material and formed from a mold.
 14. A plate kit comprising: the plate of claim 1; and the glow stick device.
 15. The plate kit of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of additional glow stick devices of different colors.
 16. The plate kit of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of additional glow stick devices of the same color.
 17. The plate kit of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of plates each configured to receive a number of glow stick devices; and a plurality of glow stick devices equal or greater than an amount of the plurality of plates times the number of glow sticks each of the plurality of plates is configured to receive.
 18. A method of assembling a plate, the method comprising: forming a plate from a mold, the plate comprising a body made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material, the plate further comprising: a well portion configured to receive food for serving; a raised lip extending around the well portion; and a rim extending around the raised lip defining an outer edge of the plate, wherein the rim includes at least one channel having a curved cross-sectional profile extending along at least a portion of the outer edge, the at least one channel configured to receive and retain a glow stick device within the rim; providing the glow stick device; and attaching the glow stick device within the at least one channel.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the curved cross-sectional profile includes at least one protrusion configured to move during insertion of the glow stick within the at least one channel, the method further comprising: moving the protrusion during the attaching the glow stick device within the at least one channel; and returning the protrusion to an unmoved state to retain the glow stick device within the at least one channel.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: removing the glow stick device from the at least one channel; and replacing another glow stick device within the at least one channel after the removing. 